A Taiwan Cherry Blossom 2025 Guide: Bloom Forecast & Top Spots

Japan and Korea may be top of mind for cherry blossoms – and why wouldn’t they? They’re insanely popular.

But if you're seeking fewer crowds and a hidden gem, Taiwan’s cherry blossom season truly shouldn’t be missed.

Here’s everything you need to know about exploring the cherry blossom trail across this tiny yet majestic island, from north to south:

1. The Best Time to Visit Taiwan for Cherry Blossoms

We'll start with the best times to visit Taiwan for cherry blossom viewing.

Typically, the climate in Taiwan is warmer compared to Japan and Korea.

So, even before spring officially starts in March, you can see the gorgeous pink petals of cherry blossom trees beginning to bloom as early as late January.

When is the Cherry Blossom Season in Taiwan?

If you're wondering when the best time to see cherry blossoms (櫻花 or ying hua in Mandarin), it's usually from February to March.

That's when you're most likely to witness everything in full bloom.

Of course, this depends on your itinerary and the areas you're planning to visit.

Generally, the cherry blossom season in Taiwan lasts from mid-January to early April, though the bloom times vary by region.

Regional Bloom Times:

• Northern Taiwan (Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu): Late January to mid-March

• Central Taiwan (Yunlin, Nantou): Late January to early April

• Southern Taiwan (Kaohsiung, Taitung): Late February to mid-March

• Eastern Taiwan (Hualien): Mid to late March

• Western Taiwan (Miaoli, Taichung): Mid-February to early April

Keep in mind that bloom times can be affected by factors such as weather, elevation, and the type of cherry blossom.

In Taiwan, you’ll find the Taiwanese Mountain Cherry and Taiwan Cherry (Formosan Cherry), both of which have darker shades of pink compared to the Japanese sakura.

However, you’ll also see Japan’s iconic Yoshino trees, as they were imported to Taiwan in the 1800s.

So, you can enjoy those pretty-as-pink petals as well.

2. Taiwan Cherry Blossom Forecast 2025

Where you’ll see cherry blossoms in Taiwan depends on where you plan to visit.

Here’s a table to help you plan your trip more easily:

Of course, cherry blossoms, being as fleeting as they are, only last for about two weeks.

But not to worry!

You’ll still have plenty of opportunities for meaningful cherry blossom viewing sessions, as the blooming season lasts impressively long.

With a flexible itinerary, you can easily adjust your trip to catch them elsewhere.

A Special Cherry Blossom Promotion for You

3. Top Cherry Blossom Spots in Taiwan

Here are some of the best cherry blossom viewing locations in Taiwan to soak in the beauty of cherry blossoms when early spring arrives.

Northern Taiwan

Yangmingshan National Park

Most people start their journey in the vibrant capital of Taipei.

So, it makes sense for your cherry blossom adventure to begin at Yangmingshan National Park.

This massive park is just a 30-minute drive from Taipei and looks even more beautiful in spring.

Photo: @aunaunion on Instagram

Some major highlights include the iconic Yangmingshan Flower Clock, which features Taiwan's sakura (cherry blossom), peach blossom, azalea, camellia, and wild peony.

But there are other cool spots to check out too, like the Wang Yangming bronze statue the park is named after, gorgeous waterfalls, and day hikes like the Qingtiangang Loop Trail, with its rolling hills, buffaloes, and silver grass.

After all that cherry blossom viewing, end your trip by relaxing your tired bones in Beitou's natural hot springs, which most people combine with Yangmingshan on a day tour from Taipei.

Getting there: The easiest way is to head to Taipei Main Station and hop on the Royal Bus 1717, which goes to Jinshan. Just get off at the Yangmingshan National Park Administration stop. Alternatively, you could book a private charter for convenience and peace of mind.

Wuji Tianyuan Temple

You can't really say you've experienced spring in Taiwan without visiting the magnificent Wuji Tianyuan Temple and the cotton-candy-like cherry blossoms that frame its grounds.

With its eye-catching rounded structure and picturesque location on a small hill, this beautiful Taoist temple is perfect for Instagram.

Even better, it's famous for its multi-round blooms (Feb–March), featuring different varieties of cherry blossoms.

You can easily join day tours to make cherry blossom viewing even smoother.

At the back of the temple, three-coloured cherry blossoms typically bloom first, around early February (sometimes late January).

The second bloom usually happens in March, when the Yoshino cherry trees create a stunning sight.

It’s tough to keep track of all the exact dates, but there’s a handy Facebook page for the temple's cherry blossom updates.

Getting there: Getting there: Hop on the MRT from Taipei City to Tamsui Station, then catch a local bus to Wuji Tianyuan Temple. Or, if you'd rather, you can drive yourself or book a private car to take you there.

LOHAS Park

Don't discount the capital when it comes to epic cherry blossom viewing spots.

One such place is LOHAS Park, a pretty chill spot overlooking the Neigou River, famous for the "Neigouxi Cherry Blossom Trail."

Photo: @piguinpi on Instagram

You can head here for a picnic and enjoy the beautiful cherry blossom trees in bloom.

But we recommend visiting at night to see the trees illuminated, giving the flowers and their pink petals a dreamy, almost fairy-tale glow.

Pro tip: Snag an EasyCard before your trip so you can easily get around using public transportation.

Getting there:

Train:

• To get to the park, hop on the MRT to Donghu Station. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk.

Bus:

• If you're taking the bus, get off at the Donghu Community bus stop. It's a 2-minute walk to the park. You can take buses 53, 281, 287, 630, 646, S1, BR19, BL12, and BL51.

• Or, you can get off at the Donghu Elementary School bus stop. LOHAS is roughly a 5-minute walk from there. For buses, take 203, 284, 629, 677, 711, 896, 903, BL36, BR19, R2, and the Neihu Line.

Central Taiwan

Wuling Farm

What Taiwan cherry blossom experience is complete without visiting a rural mountain resort?

You’ll enjoy seclusion, stunning nature views, and a scenic backdrop of 20,000 cherry trees of various varieties at Wuling Farm.

The farm is ultra-remote and difficult to reach, but the reward of getting there makes it all worthwhile.

You can take a few slow buses from Yilan, though there aren’t many hotels in the area. If you’re planning a hike up Snow Mountain (you’ll need a permit), this rural beauty near Yilan is a must-visit.

Getting there: Like we said, getting here is not the easiest. But you can take a train to Yilan Station, then transfer to Kuo-Kuang bus 1751 and alight at the Wuling Farm stop.

Cingjing Farm

For fans of dramatic mountain views, Nantou County and the New Zealand-like Cingjing Farm might be just right up your alley.

Photo: @h.y.209 on Instagram

At 1,750 metres above sea level, the higher elevation brings chillier weather.

But it also means the lush landscape looks even more stunning in spring, with beautiful pink and white sakura blossoms all around the farm.

Photo: @thita.aun on Instagram

If you love hiking, head straight for the "Cherry Blossom Hiking Trail."

Don't forget your camera or charge your smartphone - you'll be snapping endless photos, trust us.

For something different, check out the ultra-scenic Cingjing Skywalk that overlooks the mountain ranges, which is easy to visit on a one-day tour from Taichung City.

Pro tip: Drive up to Hehuanshan (the most popular place to see snow in Taiwan during winter) for even more epic vistas and cherry blossom viewing opportunities.

Getting here: The easiest way to get to Cingjing Farm is by taking the Nantou Bus (Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus), which goes straight there. Just hop on at the Taichung High Speed Rail (HSR) Station.

Sun Moon Lake

Another gem in Nantou, Sun Moon Lake is the largest naturally occurring body of water in Taiwan.

Split in the middle by the small Lalu Island which gives the left side of the lake its crescent moon look, you can come here for gorgeous views of the cherry blossom trees framing the lake.

And there's so many cool things to do here to soak in the spring vibes - you can hop on the Sun Moon Lake ropeway to see the blossoms from up high, or you can be more adventurous and try stand-up paddleboarding in the lake itself.

If you really want to go all out for the cherry blossoms though, you can check out the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village (accessible by the ropeway) and transfer into another gondola.

The amusement park itself houses more than 5,000 trees and you can find eight different kinds of flowers here, many of which are darker pink.

You’ll also find a bunch of great attractions nearby, like Wenwu Temple, Longfeng Temple, Ci En Pagoda, Yongjie Bridge, and the Shuishang Bikeway (voted by CNN as one of the World’s 10 Most Beautiful Bikeways).

Getting there: Take a train to Yilan Railway Station. Afterward, hop on Kuo-Kuang Bus 1751 to Wuling Farm. Or, you can head over to Luodong Railway Station and grab Kuo-Kuang Bus 1764. If you prefer a hassle-free option, joining a day tour could be the way to go.

Southern Taiwan

Alishan Forest Railway

Even during other seasons, the Alishan Forest Railway remains one of the most popular tourist spots.

However, if you're looking to enjoy cherry blossoms in Taiwan, you'll definitely want to make room in your itinerary for a visit here.

Picture blooming sakura trees lining dreamy, fairytale-like railway tracks, along with other spots that will make any photographer's heart race with excitement.

Some hotspots include:

• Alishan Police Station: Surrounded by Yoshino cherry blossom trees.

• Three-Generation Tree: A unique tree showing three generations of life sprouting from a single trunk, especially stunning during cherry blossom season.

• Zhaoping Station Cherry Blossom Railway: A picturesque scene with Taiwan mountain cherry trees and Yoshino cherry trees, complete with a small train chugging through the forest.

• Zhushan Sunrise Trail: Enjoy breathtaking views of the sunrise above a sea of clouds, with cherry blossoms stretching down the mountains.

Best of all, the pink blooms are expected to start earlier than usual due to the colder weather in spots like Leye, Shichu, and Fenchi Lake.

For the peak cherry blossom viewing, aim for March and April.

Getting there: You can hop on the Nantou Bus (Taiwan Tourist Shuttle) directly from Chiayi, or if you prefer, join a day tour from Chiayi, Taichung, or Kaohsiung for an even easier trip.

Hanshini Forest Recreational Area

If you're on the lookout for another spot to enjoy cherry blossoms, you’ve got to check out the Hanshini Forest Recreational Area.

This photogenic park really comes alive in spring.

Head over to the Tai Chi Pavilion and its cute little footbridge.

If you visit at the right time, you’ll be surrounded by gorgeous rows of white cherry blossoms - so Instagram-worthy.

Plus, there are other cherry blossom varieties in shades of fuchsia and pink that make for even more great photo ops.

Getting there: If you're up for a drive, you can head from Alishan National Forest Recreational Area to Hanshini! Just type 寒溪呢森林人文叡地 into Google Maps to find your way.

Eastern Taiwan

Hualien (Closed)

A massive earthquake hit Hualien in April 2024, and it caused quite a bit of damage to roads, bridges, and attractions around Taroko Gorge.

Right now, it’s probably best to skip the area during cherry blossom season.

The only road open is the highway through Taroko Gorge, and it's only open at certain times.

There are no buses running, all the scenic spots are closed, and tours aren't happening; it's just not safe to visit.

But don’t worry, things might start to reopen by summer 2025, so stay tuned.

4. Cherry Blossom Festivals in Taiwan

Big Bear Cherry Blossom Festival (Mid-February)

• If you’re in the Sanxia District, check out this festival. You’ll find a mix of gorgeous cherry blossoms, like Formosa cherry, Taiwan Yae cherry blossoms, and Fujiyoshino cherry blossoms.

Yangmingshan Flower Festival (7 February to 17 March)

• This one’s perfect for cherry blossom fans. The best time to visit? The last week of February and the first week of March when the blooms are at their peak.

Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village Cherry Blossom Festival (6 February to 6 March)

• This spot has such a magical vibe, especially at night when the cherry blossoms are lit up. It’s almost like stepping into Japan with kimono rentals available and classic Japanese cherry trees like Yae Sakura, Fuji Sakura, and Yoshino Sakura.

5. Tips for Cherry Blossom Viewing in Taiwan

• Check the Forecast Taiwan’s cherry blossom forecast is your best friend. Use it to time your visit for when the blooms are at their best.

• Plan Your Route Whether it’s Alishan, Yangmingshan, or Pingjing Street, choose a route that fits your schedule. Want variety? Mix and match locations, or stick to one area for a more relaxed trip.

• Beat the Crowds Early mornings or weekdays are perfect for a quieter, more magical experience - and better lighting for photos.

• Snap the Perfect Shot

  • Try low angles to capture blossoms against the sky.

  • Add paths or landmarks to give your photos some depth.

  • A tripod can work wonders for evening shots or illuminated trees.

• Pack Smart Comfy shoes, layered outfits, and a small daypack are your go-to essentials for exploring and staying comfortable.

• Support Local Spots Don’t miss the chance to check out nearby markets or tea houses. It’s a great way to enjoy local flavours and take home some memories.

6. Hidden Gems for Cherry Blossom Viewing in Taiwan

Wondering where to see cherry blossoms in Taiwan away from the crowds?

Check out some hidden gems around the island where you can enjoy the blooms in peace.

Pingjing Street Lane 42, Taipei

• Why it’s special: A quiet residential area with cherry trees lining the yards of private homes. Plus, these are the first trees to bloom in Taipei.

• Pro tip: Head there early in the morning to avoid the crowds and snag some great photos.

Aowanda National Forest Recreation Area, Nantou

• Why it’s special: A peaceful forest area, usually known for its autumn foliage, but cherry blossoms here are a hidden gem. It’s a more remote spot, so you’ll find fewer people.

• Pro tip: Drive here - it's about a 45-minute detour from the main highway to Cingjing, and totally worth it.

Fushoushan Farm, Taichung

• Why it’s special: This high-altitude farm has cherry blossoms with jaw-dropping views of the Central Mountains - perfect for nature lovers and photographers.

• Pro tip: Stay overnight so you can catch the sunrise surrounded by blossoms - totally worth it.

Loving Farm, Taoyuan

• Why it’s special: A super scenic farm with a mix of cherry blossom varieties, like Taiwanese mountain cherry and Thousand-island cherry, plus some peach blossoms too.

• Pro tip: Do yourself a favour and try a Lalashan peach - they’re seriously delicious.

7. Beyond Cherry Blossoms in Taiwan

Can't get enough of cherry blossoms?

If you're looking for more spring inspiration, check out our guide to the cherry blossom season in Japan for the best blooms.